The Crime of Reckless Driving

Under NRS 484B.653, reckless driving is categorized as a criminal offense in Nevada that carries harsh penalties. Reckless driving occurs when a person does any of the following:

• Operates their vehicle in a manner that displays wanton or willful disregard for the safety of the public or property;
• Drives at high speeds in an unauthorized street race on a public highway or street; or
• Organizes an unauthorized street race on a public highway or street.

In many cases, reckless driving is a subjective offense that can be charged for a variety of actions, such as:

• Driving well over the speed limit
• Cutting off another vehicle and causing a collision
• Ignoring an officer’s order to stop the vehicle
• Running traffic lights or signs
• Striking shoulders and medians while driving

Penalties for Reckless Driving

Although it’s common for drivers to get frustrated while on the road, many people do not realize that driving recklessly can result in criminal charges and penalties. If you are convicted of reckless driving in Nevada, you will receive 8 demerit points on your driver’s license, and additional sentencing will be depend upon whether your offense was charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Misdemeanor Reckless Driving
If your offense did not lead to death or injury, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. Your penalties could include up to 6 months in county jail, possible community service, and/or fines. The fines for reckless driving are determined by whether you have previously been convicted of the offense:

• First offense – fines of $250 to $1,000
• Second offense – fines of $1,000 to $1,500
• Third offense – fines of $1,500 to $2,000

Felony Reckless Driving

If your offense was the proximate cause of substantial injury or death to a victim, you will be charged with a Category B felony. Conviction for a Category B felony is punishable by:

• Incarceration in state prison for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 6 years; and
• Fines between $2,000 and $5,000. 

A reckless driving charge could have serious impact upon your driver’s license, your finances, and even your freedom, so don’t risk facing this challenge alone. Get an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your team as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. Talk to our attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group to learn how we can help you fight a reckless driving charge in Las Vegas.